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Are you getting enough sleep?

Not getting enough sleep puts you at risk for many health conditions including high blood pressure, obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and mental health disorders.

You might not notice right away, but extended periods of sleep deprivation can definitely have an impact on your mental and physical health.

Not getting enough sleep puts you at risk for many health conditions including high blood pressure, obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and mental health disorders. Even a lack of sleep for one night can have negative effects the next day – you’ll likely feel sleepy, be less productive at work, be in a bad mood, and you’re also more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

While all of the key functions of sleep have not yet been fully uncovered, research suggests that sleep plays an important role in tissue healing, memory, motivation, mood, judgment, perception of events, weight regulation and cleaning of toxins from the brain.

The amount of sleep you need for good health fluctuates depending on your age. The Sleep Research Society recommends:Infants (4 to 12 months) – 12-16 hours in a 24-hour period, including napsToddlers (1 to 2 years) – 11 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period, including napsPre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) – 10 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period, including napsSchool-aged children (6 to 12 years) – 9 to 12 hours in a 24-hour periodTeenagers (13 to 18 years) – 8 to 10 hours in a 24-hour period Adults (18+ years) – 7 or more hours per night If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep due to the current situation with COVID-19, try some of these tips:Consistency is key – aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.Relax – engage in a relaxing activity shortly before bed, a relaxing bath, reading, etc., which can help your brain and body relax and promote better sleep.Set up a cosy sleeping environment – ensure that your room is quiet, dark and at a comfortable temperature.Ditch the gadgets – remove all electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and TV from your bedroom.  In particular, refrain from screen time 60 minutes before you want to go to sleep as the blue light emitted is known to stimulate the brain making sleep more difficult.Limit food and drinks – avoid eating large meals, and limit caffeine and alcohol use for 2 to 3 hours before bed.Exercise – engage in physical activity throughout the day, however, avoid vigorous exercise for 2 to 3 hours before bed.If pain or discomfort is affecting your sleep, you may benefit from scheduling a 1-to-1 Online Video Therapy session with one of our physiotherapists. Undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by a physiotherapist at ProActive Rehab is a great way to gain an understanding of how you can enhance your sleep.After the assessment, our physiotherapist will create a program that is specific to your needs, which will help to improve your sleep habits and help you get a better night’s sleep. Warmest regards, 

The Team at ProActive Rehab